Tips for use

There are usually some radio settings that need changing before the memory buttons will function - look for "external keypad" in the radio manual for details.

Do not connect two microphones at the same time. If connecting a microphone via the ContestConsole, use either the 3.5mm socket or the 8 pin socket, not both.

On some radios, an external storage device (memory card or USB stick) might be needed for voice memories to work.

Also available from our agent(s):

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the ContestConsole provide a complete DC connected "pass through" for the microphone socket on the radio (including the 8 Volt supply)?

A: Yes. The ContestConsole does provide a complete DC pass through including the 8 Volt supply

Q: I already have a SOTABEAMS Click2Tune for ICOM. Can I use that with the Contest Console?

A: Yes, your existing Click2Tune lead will function as it did before. However, the Tune button on the ContestConsole will only function with the optional Tune lead.

Q: I use my ICOM with an automatic antenna tuner that has a lead that connects top the white Molex connector on the radio. Can I also use the optional Tune lead?

A: The ContestConsole will work fine with your existing antenna tuner - the operation of the tuner will be unchanged. However, the Tune button on the ContestConsole will only function with the optional Tune lead.

Great for contesting or general use

Posted by Ed Jones on 7th Nov 2018

I recently purchased the SOTABEAMS ContestConsole for my IC-7300. I use my 7300 mostly portable, and so I purchased this for Field Day, JOTA, QSO party, etc. Its first use was the 2018 JOTA event I held at a local scout camp. It worked like a champ. I like the fact that it has a 1/8" microphone input in addition to the standard input, has a PTT jack for a footswitch AND a PTT button on the deck. This allowed me to run an external speaker + headphones w/ boom mic AND the stock hand mic. I would let the kids operate the hand mic and all the scouts could listen to the QSO. I would wear the headphones in case the signal faded or I was scanning the dial. I programmed the first couple of buttons with "CQ..." calls. It's small, and is built better than anything I would homebrew :-)

I only have two minor complaints. The connectors themselves aren't very good quality, but they are adequate. I also wish they had brought AF into the console. I still have to bring a headphone splitter to be able to use multiple headphones or headphones and an external speaker. On my IC-7300, pin 8 of the microphone jack supplies AF output. I would have liked the console to supply both headphones and an AF output to drive an external speaker. For a single operator working from home, these aren't important. Perhaps SOTABEAMS could offer a PortableOps version of this console in the future with the AF features.

5

Another good idea from SOTABEAMS

Posted by Steve Down G3USE on 15th Oct 2018

I believe I was one of those who suggested this product. I could not understand why Icom stopped at just publishing the circuit in the 7300 manual. Unlike Yaesu who produce the FH-2 for their range. I had built my own version covering the M1-4 functions but was not happy with the ergonomics. The Console really does the job well by adding the extra functions. Well done Richard and team. 73 de Steve.

4

Contest console for ICOM

Posted by Milos Dermota S57D on 12th Oct 2018

I made a simple 4 button console by myself before, but this one is much better, more functionality added and trough microphone connector. It is proffesionally built. The housing is made of plastic, not metal and this is the reason for 4 stars not 5. After all, it is the great addition to my ICOM IC-7300. Great service, packing and fast delivery!